Driver Erica Enders becomes the first female ever to win in the Pro Stock Car division at the O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Joliet. | Michael DiNovo~For Sun-Times Media
Driver Erica Enders becomes the first female ever to win in the Pro Stock Car division at the O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Joliet. | Michael DiNovo~For Sun-Times Media
No.1-seeded Tony Schumacher loses to T.J. Zizzo (not pictured) in the elimination round. | Michael DiNovo~For Sun-Times Media
Funny car driver Alexis DeJoria reacts after defeating number one seed John Force (not pictured) to advance into the semi final rounds for the O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Joliet, Illinois, Sunday, Jul. 01, 2012. | Michael DiNovo~For the Sun-Times Media
Funny Car driver Courtney Force advances to the semifinal round. | Michael DiNovo~For Sun-Times Media
Funny Car driver Jeff Arend celebrates his victory. | Michael DiNovo~For Sun-Times Media
Top Fuel driver Antron Brown wins at the O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals. | Michael DiNovo~For Sun-Times Media
The National Hot Rod Association has prided itself on having numerous women enjoy success in its major events, including Shirley Muldowney in the Top Fuel division in the 1970s and ’80s and Angelle Sampey in the Pro Stock Motorcycle division in the 1990s and 2000s. …
